You are the Light of the World

You are the Light of the World

You are the light of the world, (so) let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16)

Recently, HBC celebrated Praise Song Sunday. As we gathered we shared in 9 of our favorite songs of praise from today’s song writers. During the morning we shared some of “back stories” on these songs. The stories behind the music are at times very moving.

One of the songs we sung was “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice. This song beautifully illustrates Matt 5:14-16. The words of chorus say,

“Carry your candle, run to the darkness,

Seek out the helpless, confused and torn.

Hold out your candle for all to see it,

Take your candle and go light your world.”

The message is clear, but the call us difficult. “Run to the darkness.” Very often, as followers of Jesus, we think that God wants us to stay away from places that are filled with hopelessness. Yet, I we are to be bearers of the hope of Christ, it does us no good to remain only among the hopeful.

A friend was working in a house where all the electricity had been turned off. He wanted to clean out the entire house, but the basement was a challenge. He could not see the dangers of the room or the items that needed to be removed. It was only when light was brought into that dark space that his work could be completed. As bearers of God’s promise and God’s hope, we must run toward those places where hope is missing. That may mean to go to Houston in January, or Mexico next Summer, or Kensington one Saturday, or a nursing home on a Sunday afternoon.

And as we run toward the darkness, we are seeking “the helpless, confused and torn”. These are the people who are ignored by many, the people who need a special touch of Jesus, the people who slip through the cracks. Perhaps it is the immigrant family who feels isolated. Or the new neighbor who needs encouragement. Or the single mother who is overwhelmed. Each of these need the hope that Jesus can bring.